Title
PLN24-0280 - 3100 Central Avenue - Use Permit. Applicant: Malyka Chop. Public hearing to consider a Call for Review of the Zoning Administrator's Approval of a Use Permit to allow the establishment of an approximately 2,600-square-foot preschool with afterschool program, and an outdoor play area surrounded by perimeter fencing located at 3100 Central Avenue. Zoning: R-1, Residential District. General Plan: Low Density Residential. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 - Existing Facilities, 15303(e) - Accessory Structures and Fences. None of the exceptions to exemptions apply.
Body
To: Honorable President and Members of the Planning Board
From: Steven Buckley, Planning Board Secretary
BACKGROUND
The property at 3100 Central Avenue is an existing single-story, 2,600-square-foot church that was built in 1924. In 1974, the City of Alameda issued a Use Permit to allow the church to hold classes onsite together with the church use. The use permit, renewed in 1976 (UP-76-3), anticipated an average attendance of 90-150 people, 30-50 cars, and a net parking demand of 19-39 parking spaces in the neighborhood (Exhibit 3). In the intervening years, the church use evolved to include providing daycare services for up to 12 children.
On June 5, 2024, applicant Malyka Chop, who operates three Small Size Big Minds preschools in Alameda, applied for a use permit to operate a childcare center at 3100 Central Avenue. Described as having a capacity for 100 students, it was later clarified that it would have a maximum capacity of 50 students at any one time, for ages 0 - 6 years old. Under California childcare licensing regulations, staff believes the property could support up to 50 students.
On August 19, 2024, the Zoning Administrator held a public hearing and approved a Use Permit to allow the establishment of an approximately 2,600-square-foot preschool...
Click here for full text